TV host Boy Abunda encouraged graduates to help others and not let people define who they are.
Abunda, co-host of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in the YouTube show “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda,” was the speaker at the 18th Commencement Exercises of Taguig City University (TCU).
More than 2,300 students graduated at the ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center and attended by Mayor Lani Cayetano and Senator Cayetano.
TV host Boy Abunda speaking at the 18th Commencement Exercises of Taguig City University (Photo from the Taguig City government)
The 18th Commencement Exercises of Taguig City University (Photos from the Taguig City government)
In his speech, Abunda, quoting from a story he told the audience, said, “The most important person in the world is the person in front of you. And what is the most important thing to do if you can: help. When are you supposed to do it? Not tomorrow but today.”
He said his journey as a TV talk show host is “replete with stories of people helping me. Friends, strangers. It was not easy.
Abunda, host of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” said one of his friends was against him having an on-camera job as a TV host. His friend told him three things that would hinder his dream to become a TV host: his accent, being gay, and looks.
Against the advice of his friend, he pursued his dream and is now one of the most popular TV personalities in the country.
Quoting US Vice President Kamala Harris, Abunda told the graduates, “Do not allow anyone to tell you who you are. Show them who you are. Do not allow anyone to count you out because you are the only one who can count yourself in. Do not allow anybody to tell you what you can do because you are the only one who can do that. Do not allow anybody to ever define who you are. That right does not belong to anyone.”
For her part, Mayor Cayetano advised graduates to be brave. She also said, “I want you all to envision a fulfilling and extraordinary life.”